Planning your Albania itinerary? I’ve gotcha covered. This itinerary acts as a travel guide for Albania, filled with everything you need to know about this beautiful country in the Balkans.

Albania has always hovered around in my mind; on my radar but never so present as to book a trip. That is, until my friends and I hatched a plan to get a girl’s trip out of the group chat. Finally, I had a ticket booked and an Albania itinerary set! We spent a week road-tripping around Albania, indulging in delicious food and potent coffee, bopping around pristine beaches, and wandering around the cobblestone streets of quaint UNESCO towns. I’ve published this Albania itinerary to double as a comprehensive travel guide to the Balkans country.

During our adventures, I learned a lot about this criminally underrated European destination. The natural scenery blew me away, as did the warmth and hospitality of the local people. Albania has beaches that compete with Greece and Croatia, history like the ancient city of Athens, and remarkably rugged mountain landscapes similar to those I’ve seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I was so surprised by Albania, that I haven’t shut up about it since I left. I loved it so much, I already have a trip back booked!

I’m passing all my acquired Albanian travel knowledge and insights along. Read on for everything you need to know to plan the perfect 1 or 2-week Albania itinerary.

Is Albania worth visiting ↴

If you’re wondering whether Albania is worth visiting, the simple answer is yes x1000. I keep spreading the good word about how Albania quickly became one of my favorite European destinations. There are beautiful beaches, rugged mountain scenery, and culturally rich villages— there’s truly something for everyone. It was also notably uncrowded when I visited in June, which is good because so many of Europe’s cities are being crushed by overtourism.

For a general introduction to Albania, I recommend traveling the country for no less than 1 week. However, for a more in-depth exploration of the country, I highly recommend following my 2-week itinerary.

Read more | Is Albania Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons to Book A Trip Now

Albania itinerary planning tips ↴

Albania road conditions + rental cars

Albania is a country best explored on a road trip. Albania is 10x smaller than its neighbor, Italy, so most drives between destinations take 1-2 hours, though there are travel days that require up to 4 hours of driving.

One thing I wish I had known before hiring a rental car is how tight parking is in Albania. My friends and I rented a Kia Sportage, which was great for driving mountain roads, but it was an absolute nightmare to park in narrow garage spots and parallel along cobblestone streets. Simply put, a smaller car would have been easier to park. We picked up and dropped off our rental car at the Tirana Airport. We opted to rent from Rental Point, which offered full insurance and a clean vehicle at a reasonable daily rate.

be patient + open minded

This tip should go without saying and/or could be plopped into any travel guide as general travel advice, but I feel like patience is particularly important for places like Albania where tourism is a relatively recent concept. Until the 1990s, Albania’s Communist government kept it isolated from the rest of the world. Because of this, much of the country’s infrastructure is still undergoing development and renovation.

It should also be noted that most Albanian food is made fresh to order, which is part of what makes it so delicious! However, the other side of this coin is that meals may take longer than you’re used to. Be patient with the serving staff, and remember that there is nothing wrong with a leisurely lunch.

currency, cash, + travel costs

Cash is king in Albania! Throughout my week-long travels in Albania, I only found four places where a card was accepted and had minimum spending limits. I used my Wise card to withdraw the local currency, Albanian Lek (LEK), though many shops and tour agencies accept the Euro. Despite my Wise card not charging me for foreign transactions, the ATMs did charge a relatively steep withdrawal fee (roughly USD $9 per transaction at some ATMs). I only withdrew twice, limiting the excess fee, but it’s something to be aware of. As of July 2024, the standard exchange rate used in Albania was 100 LEK = €1.

A rise in tourism, plus global inflation, has increased the costs of travel in Albania, primarily along the Albanian Riveria. However, overall, I felt like Albania was an incredibly affordable European destination, with most meals costing no more than €10 per person. Our main expense of the trip was our rental car, though there were more affordable rental options available. My friends and I opted to spend a bit more for full insurance and a more modern vehicle.

Albania destination spellings

Albanian place name spellings vary, including Kruja (Krujë) and Tirana (Tiranë). I have chosen name spellings for continuity in this travel itinerary, but please note that they can be used interchangeably. Entering any version of the city spellings into Google Maps worked for navigation.

Is Albania safe ↴

I went to Albania with two of my girlfriends, and the three of us agreed we all felt safe. I struggle to think of a European destination where I worried less about theft, violence, or other crimes— it felt like an overall safe place to be. I cannot stress enough how helpful, friendly, and hospitable local people were during my travel experience in Albania.

Invariably, when you travel, there are certain standard precautions to take. Keep an eye on your possessions, particularly on the coast, which is rapidly increasing in popularity among tourists. The only scam I’ve read about is the standard money exchange scam prevalent in many tourist destinations. To avoid this, I recommend withdrawing cash from an ATM. However, if you must exchange money, know exactly how much you need to exchange and the conversion rate, and be careful to count it back.

1-week Albania travel itinerary ↴

Please note: the shortened version of this itinerary cuts out the far north and the deep south of Albania, instead focusing on cultural highlights in the country’s center. If you’re seeking the respite of Albania’s mountains, the north might be where you focus your time. If you’re heading to Albania for a beach trip, you’ll want to spend more time lounging along the Albanian Rivera. As always, there is no “right” way to see the country, just decisions based on your trip duration and personal preferences.

Because I’ve written these 1-week and 2-week itineraries arriving and departing from Tirana, they can be amended for travelers heading north-to-south or south-to-north.

Day 1 | Arrive in Tirana + drive (1 hour) to Krujë

Day 2-3 | Drive (2 hours) to Vlorë or Dhërmi

Day 4-5 | Drive (1.5 hours) to Berat

Day 6-7 | Return to Tirana (1 hour 45 minute drive)

2-week Albania travel itinerary ↴

I think 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time for slow travelers. After my trip across Albania, I can honestly say that slower is better. You don’t want to rush through Albania’s charming towns or skimp on beach days. However, I’ve also shared an abbreviated itinerary to help those on a time crunch plan the perfect introductory trip.

Day 1 | Arrive in Tirana + drive to Krujë

Day 2-3 | Drive to + stay in Shkodër

Day 4-5 | Drive to + stay in Theth

Day 6 | Drive to + stay in Shkodër

Day 7-8 | Drive to + stay in Vlorë or Dhërmi

Day 9 | Drive to + stay in Himarë

Day 10 | Drive to Blue Eye, then drive to + stay in Gjirokaster

Day 11-13 | Drive + stay in Berat

Day 14-15 | Drive + depart from Tirana

Krujë | 1/2 -1 day

Land in Tirana, pick up your rental car, and drive 1 hour north to Krujë. Krujë is a charming hilltop town in the north-central part of the country. Famed for its castle and bazaar, Krujë, also known as Kruja, is an easy half-day excursion on your way further north to Shkoder. Krujë is also an idyllic day destination for travelers with a shorter itinerary, particularly those interested in local history.

Throughout its history, Krujë has been coveted by Roman and Byzantine conquerors due to its vantage point. However, to Albanians, Krujë is more than a little significant. An Ottoman commander, Skanderbeg, famously deserted his army to lead the Albanians in a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. This event made Krujë a symbol of defiance and Skanderbeg was cemented as a national icon.

Start by exploring Krujë Castle. The castle ruins are open to the public and offer scenic viewpoints of the town. There is no entry fee to explore the castle, but the museums on the castle grounds have a small cash admission. Head to the Skanderbeg Museum (Muzeu Kombëtar Gjergj Kastrioti). The Skanderbeg Museum was built as a tribute to the aforementioned hero, Skanderbeg. Albania’s history is detailed across multiple floors, from the Illyrian era to the Ottoman Empire’s reign. There are some English placards, but if you want to get the most out of the museum, I would suggest booking a tour guide. The museum costs 500 LEK and is open from 9 AM -6 PM daily. The Ethnographic Museum is also close by. There was an Ethnographic Museum in nearly every city we stopped in across Albania, so if you don’t have time, I would go to the museum in Berat, as it is more highly-rated.

I recommend grabbing lunch at Restorant Panorama Krujë, which, as its name suggests, has beautiful terrace views of Krujë and is conveniently located near the castle. I split a sharing platter with my friends and ordered a bowl of homemade pasta. It tasted so fresh and

Finish your time in Krujë with a wander through the Krujë Bazaar, teeming with local handicrafts and touristy trinkets (if you’re into those). You’ll find everything from wool slippers and Turkish rugs to jewelry and artwork. Not everything is the most “authentic”, but the difference is pretty easy to spot.

🛏️ where to stay in Krujë

Accommodation in Krujë is limited, partly due to the town itself being so small. Still, there are a few guesthouses and hotels to pick from. Alternatively, you could continue your journey and drive to Vlorë, the next stop on this Albania itinerary.

Vlorë | 2 days

Typically, people skip over Vlorë for Ksamil, one of Albania’s more prominent beach towns. While it may not be as glamorous as Ksamil, it’s historically significant. Vlorë is where Albania declared its independence in 1912. Vlorë’s beaches are beautiful and it’s the perfect relaxation stop for a shortened itinerary.

Grab a morning coffee at Galeria Art Café in Old Town Vlorë. As its name suggests, this coffee courtyard exists behind an art gallery filled with oil paintings and charcoal drawings. I loved spending a morning here, sipping my double espresso before wandering through Old Town. If art isn’t your thing, Komiteti Bar is another aesthetic spot for a morning coffee. I loved the cool interior of this bar, and I would have loved to experience it in the evening with a cocktail. I stumbled upon a street market, away from the touristic Old Town one morning. Filled with vendors selling soccer (football) jerseys, knock-off Rolex watches, and fresh produce, it made for great people-watching.

Post-coffee, walk to the Independence Monument for a photo stop. You can also walk to Muradie Mosque, a 16th-century mosque that serves as a prayer hall for Vlorë’s resident Muslims. If you wander inside the small, stone mosque, please dress respectfully with your shoulders and knees covered. The monument and the nearby mosque are free to visit, though they are just walk-by attractions. I did pay a small admission fee (100 LEK/€1) to enter the National Museum of Independence in Vlorë, which was interesting, albeit small. Established in 1936, the museum is one of the oldest in the country. Across two rooms, it details how Albania achieved independence in 1912.

Kanina Castle is another notable archeological site in Vlorë to add to your sightseeing list. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to explore the castle ruins this time but I did make it to St. Mary’s Monastery, which is a definite must! St. Mary’s, also known as the Monastery of Dormition of Theotokos Mary, is a medieval Byzantine church that sits on a lush, pine tree-swathed island. Tërpo Zografi, an acclaimed Albanian artist, painted much of the iconography inside the museum. The soft pink building that sits along the water as you approach the monastery from the boardwalk contrasts against the dark green forest enveloping it, which makes for a lovely picture. I would recommend visiting the monastery as you drive out of Vlorë towards Berat for those short on time. Otherwise, plan this for a golden hour evening photo stroll. Parking is free, but you will have to drive to visit.

I spent one of my days in Vlorë at the beach in Dhërmi. This required us to drive approximately 1.5 hours from Vlorë to Dhërmi, but parking was free and I had heard fantastic things. The mountain roads between Vlorë and Dhërmi were a bit precarious, but if you can handle hairpin turns, you’ll be fine. I parked right next to the beach club for free. The Dhërmi beach clubs were practically empty when my friends and I visited in June. We had the uncrowded beach nearly all to ourselves. There were a few couples, some families, and a small number of friend groups who lounged in the sun chairs near us, but for the most part, we felt like we had won the lottery. We were charged 1,000 LEK (€10) per sun lounger and had a waiter check on us relatively frequently to see if we needed any drinks from the club’s bar. There was never any pressure, no one was trying to sell us seashell bracelets, and the water was pristine.

🛏️ where to stay in Vlorë

I recommend staying in Vlorë if you’re most interested in Old Town-type charm and a more “local” beach vibe. However, if you’d rather be near a beach club, Dhërmi is not too far away and also has beautiful beachside accommodation. The main difference between Dhërmi and Vlorë accommodation (besides location) is the price point and amenities. Most of the accommodation in Dhërmi is luxury, resort-style hotels, whereas Vlorë has quite basic rooms at a lower cost.

Berat | 2-3 days

Berat is often called “The City of a Thousand Windows” by mistranslation. The hillside town, like much of Albania, has a rich and varied history dating back over 2,000 years. Berat is a symbol of religious tolerance, due to its history of acceptance for Christians, Muslims, and Jewish people. The beauty of Berat makes it a point of pride for Albanians, recognized by UNESCO. I recommend 3 days exploring Berat, though you can easily fill 5 with day trips. If you have extra time in Berat, book a river tubing excursion through Osumi Canyon!

I have written at length about the best things to do in Berat, but as a brief synopsis, I would start my time in the city with a walk around the park that straddles the Osum River bank, stopping for a coffee at Shtëpia e Kafes Gimi. The café serves barista and Albanian-style coffees and a selection of cakes and breads. It’s located opposite the park, so take advantage of its alfresco seating and observe local men playing chess as the sun rises.

Spend a sunset at Berat Castle, including dinner at Klea Castle Restaurant. Alternatively, spend an afternoon learning to cook Albanian cuisine with Mama Nina at her home inside the castle grounds. The cooking class lasts 3-4 hours and costs €35 per person. Within the castle walls, you’ll also find:

St. Theodore’s Church
White Mosque
Red Mosque
The Holy Trinity Church
Iconography Onufri Museum

Do not, and I mean DO NOT miss dinner at Lili Home-Made Food. The food is great, but the atmosphere makes this place memorable.

🛏️ where to stay in Berat

Vila Meri | I stayed at Vila Meri, a newly renovated villa set inside a traditional house on the Mangalem. The room was clean and cozy, the bathroom was contemporary (with good water pressure), and the beds were comfortable. Flora and her son run the villa with the same kindness and Albanian hospitality we experienced throughout the gorgeous country.
Bed & Breakfast Josiph | Josiph’s family home has comfortable, clean rooms, located near Berat Castle. The owner’s (Josiph) wife serves guests a delicious local breakfast on the B&B’s terrace.
Tradita e Beratit | Set in a traditional house in Gorica, this hotel combines old-world charm and mod-cons for one of the best accommodation experiences in Berat.
Berat Backpackers | This popular backpacker’s hostel is located in Gorica, close to several restaurants.
Maya Hostel | A popular hostel amongst budget travelers, housed in a traditional 16th-century house.
Koroni Boutique Hotel | A terrace hotel property with romantic, rustic rooms.

🍽️ where to eat in Berat

Lili Home-Made Food | A homemade meal consisting of traditional Albanian dishes served in a courtyard adjacent to the owner’s home
Klea Castle Restaurant | A garden terrace within the castle complex that serves Albanian cuisine with a side of castle ruin views

Tirana | 1-2 days

Just as Albania surprised me, its capital city, Tirana, was an unexpected treat. It somehow managed to maintain the warmth of the smaller towns I visited but had its own jolt of electricity. Sprinkled with third-wave coffee shops, quirky bars, and a burgeoning art scene, Tirana felt up-and-coming without losing its sense of history. To put it simply, I loved it here.

I would start my day at Antigua Specialty. It’s easily the best coffee in the city and the breakfast pastry selection was unreal. I had a generous slice of carrot cake, mango kombucha, and a perfectly balanced flat white. It was utterly delicious. Alternatively, start your day at Hana Corner Café where they serve sweet cabinet pastries and excellent matcha.

Once thoroughly fueled, walk to the Pyramid of Tirana, originally built as a museum dedicated to the communist dictator Enver Hoxha. In 2017, Albanians voted to repurpose the building rather than tearing it down completely. Today, it has been transformed into a cultural and community-focused hub. Stairs have been added up the sides so that, in a turn of poetic justice, stomp on top of communism. The imposing concrete structure has been repurposed for a sculpture park, dotted with colorful buildings that house cafés, offices, and classrooms where local youth can take free tech classes. There is also a small contemporary art museum inside that’s free and worth stopping into.

From the Pyramid, it’s a short walk to The Cloud, an open-air art installation, free to the public. I imagine it’s more exciting when it’s lit up at night.

In this same area are Bunk’Art 2, Skanderbeg Square, and the House of Leaves Museum. I highly recommend visiting all three! The House of Leaves was the most interesting museum I visited in Albania. No photos or videos are allowed inside, but it is highly worth the 700 LEK entry. Exhibits in multiple rooms across several floors detail the “surveillance culture” that existed in Albania, particularly in Tirana, during the Communist regime. It’s incredibly informative, describing the exact spy techniques used to surveil citizens (like putting microphones into the concrete walls of houses), and why this was considered necessary in the first place.

Bunk’Art 2 is the sister museum to Bunk’Art 1, which you can visit by taking #11 bus to the end of its line. Bunk’Art 1 is more of a contemporary art museum, whereas Bunk’Art 2 is primarily filled with educational exhibits about life under Communism in Albania. If it isn’t already obvious, both are thematically quite dark, but they are indeed a reflection of the recent tragedies that Albanians faced.

There is no shortage of street art in Tirana (remember how I mentioned the burgeoning art scene?). You’ll find most of Tirana’s murals in 21 Dhjetori, a neighborhood known as the coffee neighborhood due to its high density of traditional Turkish coffee cafés, and in Blloku, the hip, creative epicenter of the city. Radio Bar is also located in Blloku, so while you stroll for urban artwork, carve out time to grab an evening cocktail and a snack at this funky establishment.

🛏️ where to stay in Tirana

The Plaza | New to the city, 190 modern rooms set in Tirana’s shopping district
Hilton Garden Inn Tirana | Standard Hilton hotel rooms and amenities, close to Skanderbeg Square and less than10 miles from the airport
Arté Boutique Hotel | Artsy design rooms in the heart of Tirana
Central Chic Apartments | Contemporary apartment hotel rooms for as little as USD $70 per night

🍽️ where to eat in Tirana

Restaurant Piceri Era Blloku | One of the most highly-rated restaurants in Tirana
Radio Bar | A very atmospheric place for drinks and a light dinner
Antigua Specialty Coffee | The best barista coffee in Tirana

Read more | 8 Best Coffee + Cafés in Tirana